Unique Bethpage housing project gets underway

State and local elected officials joined in the groundbreaking Tuesday for a 48-unit housing complex in Bethpage.

The $18.9 million project, called Oyster Bay Gardens, is being developed by Bethpage-based nonprofit Adults and Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities, according to a statement.

The three-story complex will provide 36 homes for low and moderate income seniors and 12 for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Rent for 36 apartments will be affordable to residents aged 62 and older with 18 set aside for households whose income is at or below 60 percent of the area median income. The other 18 are for those with incomes at or below 50 percent of AMI. Twelve apartments will be open to people aged 21 and over for people with developmental disabilities who earn up to 50 percent of AMI. Three of those 12 will be for adults with disabilities over age 62. Rental assistance for the 12 units will be provided by the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities.

The project is being funded with $9.5 million through tax-exempt bonds from the state Homes and Community Renewal’s Housing Finance Agency. In addition, the agency will loan $5 million from its New Construction Program. Other funding comes from federal low income housing tax credits and $2.25 million in capital construction loans provided by OPWDD, which also will provide rental subsidy assistance for the 12 supportive units.

The Nassau County Industrial Development Agency is also assisting the project with a package of economic incentives.

The project will take about 18 months to complete. A lottery for the apartments is tentatively scheduled for the summer of 2019 and the complex should be ready for occupancy in the spring of 2020.

“At ACLD we are dedicated to improving the lives of the people we support and providing them with opportunities to live exceptional and fulfilling lives,” Robert Goldsmith, executive director of Adults and Children with Learning Disabilities, said in the statement. “We have made it our mission and priority to lead the effort on Long Island to secure resources and support to build safe and supportive housing environments for those with special needs as well as those who face affordable housing challenges.”

Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas credited the state’s $20 billion, five-year housing plan for making the project possible.

“Oyster Bay Gardens will provide 48 households with opportunity to get the affordable housing they need to take part in our growing economy and live independently in the community they love,” Visnauskas said in the statement.